JUST 141,813 PEOPLE had registered to pay the €100 Household Charge by 4pm yesterday, according to the latest figures from the Department of Environment.

The flat-rate charge is a precursor to the introduction of property tax, and the government estimates that around 1.6 million households in Ireland are liable for the charge. According to the figure quoted above, under 9 per cent of those households have actually signed up to pay.

Today is the last day for property owners to sign up for a direct debit payment of the charge, which can be paid in one go or in four €25 installments.

The deadline for paying the charge is 31 March, after which those liable for the charge will face late payment fees:

• Within six months of the due date for payment, the fine is 10 per cent of the amount outstanding
• Between 6 months and a year after the due date, the fine is 20 per cent of the amount outstanding
• Over one year past the due date, the fine is 30 per cent of the amount outstanding

A nationwide campaign against the charge continues to urge people not to register or pay the charge, saying that a flat rate for all homeowners irrespective of their income or debt level is unfair.

In pictures: TDs take to the streets to urge boycott of household charge >